important

Will men say in a thousand years that this was their finest hour? That remains to be seen, but today’s Brexit fallout includes tumbling global markets and a feverish sell-off of the pound sterling, which hit lows not seen in decades. It also prompted Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron — a Brexit opponent who nonetheless precipitated the vote — to announce his resignation as of October, giving him time to “steady the ship.” Stunned EU leaders will meet soon — without Cameron — to plan the bloc’s first separation and for “reflection on the future.”

Europe Divided

The gavel rang hollow. Without a Congressionally blocked ninth justice, the Supreme Court deadlocked again yesterday, this time over President Obama’s executive order protecting children of illegal immigrants. It was blocked by a federal appeals court, which said he lacked authority, and the High Court’s 4-4 split means the appeals ruling stands. The decision quickly hit the campaign trail, with Donald Trump praising it for blocking “one of the most unconstitutional” presidential actions ever, and Hillary Clinton calling it a “heartbreaking” turn that could “tear apart 5 million families facing deportation.”

No Quarter

A tornado, hail, monsoon rains and winds reaching 78 mph brutalized the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu, killing 98 people and injuring 800 in an area already hard-hit by weeks of torrential downpours. The twister reportedly flattened numerous buildings, including a solar panel factory near Yencheng. The government has declared a national emergency, and traveling President Xi Jinping has ordered aid be rushed in to help victims — one of whom reported seeing his house ripped apart: “It was like the end of the world.”

Deadly Skies

A Baltimore judge has acquitted Caesar Goodson Jr., the officer who drove the police van in which the 25-year-old Black man sustained spinal injuries leading to his April 2015 death. Of the six officers involved in Gray’s arrest, Goodson faced the most serious charges, including second-degree “depraved heart” murder. Though Gray’s death sparked violent protests last year, Baltimore leaders urged calm as protesters outside the courthouse chanted “Justice for Freddie Gray” — but Goodson’s verdict portends more acquittals for the four other accused police officers awaiting trial.

Briefly

intriguing

Who needs code words? Rick Tyler, an Appalachian restaurateur angling to represent Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District, put up two billboards with the nakedly racist play on Donald Trump’s campaign slogan, one featuring Confederate battle flags adorning the White House. While sign owners removed the messages amid viral outrage, Tyler reveled in drawing attention to his independent candidacy, which promises bans on non-white immigration and subsidies that he says encourage non-white procreation. Even with the increased publicity, his chances aren’t great: He’s one of four candidates battling an entrenched incumbent.

Sign of the Times

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of Hell’s Kitchen. Two new studies from Columbia University are predicting a dire future for the Big Apple. One suggests warming temperatures could put over 3,300 people per year in mortal danger from heat-induced strokes and heart attacks by 2080. The other highlights air pollution and climate change dangers to children and fetuses. But study authors say the apocalyptic scenarios could be mitigated by reducing emissions now, and by residents’ increasing heat-tolerance and better access to A/C.

Hot Seat

No more pesky math. Instead of a surge alert asking riders to pay “2.5x” or another multiple of a normal fare, Uber will let users lock in fares before buckling up. It’s not the rumored end to surge pricing: Costs will still fluctuate as they do now. But the move protects riders against unexpected increases, for instance if drivers take longer routes to avoid traffic. The ridesharing giant has tested the feature in select cities, and over the next few months will make it globally available.

No Surprises

They listened very hard, and the truth came to them at last. The estate of songwriter Randy Wolfe claimed the legendary rockers had lifted the iconic opening riff of 1971’s “Stairway to Heaven” from Spirit’s 1968 instrumental “Taurus.” The bands had performed together — and guitarist Jimmy Page confessed he didn’t actually compose “Stairway” in a Welsh cottage — but the California jury decided he didn’t steal the melody. Concerns over plagiarism lawsuits increased after “Blurred Lines” songwriters were successfully sued last year, but this verdict struck a different note.

Not Buying It

Have the Sixers found their savior? After tanking multiple seasons in search of high picks, Philadelphia used its first No. 1 selection in 20 years on LSU’s Ben Simmons, the smooth 6-foot-10 forward. The Lakers took Duke swingman Brandon Ingram, followed by the Celtics grabbing Cal’s Jaylen Brown, making the NBA’s top three all “one-and-done” college players. Oklahoma City made the biggest trade, swapping Serge Ibaka to Orlando, freeing up salary cap room to satisfy the Thunder’s Kevin Durant, who becomes a free agent July 1.